Flexible insulative container with valve

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a high-performance, portable, flexible, collapsible, inflatable, insulative container with increased carrying capacity and the portability of a backpack. The container of the present disclosure is both collapsible as well as inflatable via the use of a non-leaking, substantially waterproof valve that facilitates air flow into and out of an insulative space of the container.

BACKGROUND

Maintaining the temperature of items whose temperatures differ fromtheir environment has always been a challenge. Thermal insulationcontainers, commonly referred to as “coolers,” are frequently used whenone cannot use refrigeration units and wishes to keep items cooler thansurrounding temperatures. Conventional coolers are commonly made frominsulated hard plastic containers having either hinged or fullyremovable lids. These coolers are typically large, heavy, and bulky.Additionally, although often waterproof, and therefore useable with ice,conventional coolers are rigid and heavy, rendering them undesirable fortransporting or using while engaging in outdoor activities such asbiking, hiking, rafting, or kayaking. The interior storage areas ofconventional coolers can also be difficult to clean before and after useand are further difficult to dry after use.

In an effort to overcome these drawbacks of conventional coolers, somemanufacturers have produced soft coolers. While these soft coolers arepliable and lighter than their conventional predecessors, they typicallyare not waterproof and are therefore designed to be used with icesubstitutes, which is not the preferred cooling medium. In addition,typical soft coolers are generally not made of durable materials andconstruction, and as a result, they fall apart easily under stress.Moreover, most soft coolers are sewn together and/or have zippers, whichmeans they are not waterproof and cannot carry ice without leakage.

In addition to these drawbacks, neither hard nor soft coolers can becarried comfortably and securely during outdoor activities, such ashiking. Typically, soft coolers have short handles or purse-like strapsand are not meant to be carried long distances. Hard coolers are tooheavy and bulky to be carried comfortably for long distances or forextended periods of time.

Yet another drawback of both hard and soft coolers is that they cannotbe compactly rolled up for storage when not in use, thus, limiting theirusefulness for certain outdoor sports and activities, as well as travel.Soft coolers tend to be more compact than hard coolers. However, softcoolers typically consist of insulating material within two layers.There is a certain amount of air that exists between these layers, thus,if a user attempts to compactly roll up or fold the soft cooler, aballoon effect is created.

To overcome this drawback, an opening has been used in the outer layerof soft coolers as a way to release the air between the layers. However,this opening exposes the insulation layer housed between the two layersto moisture, which can ruin the insulation. Another solution has been touse a pull tab valve (e.g., similar to those used on pool flotationdevices) to release the air between the two layers, yet protect theinsulation layer from moisture when the valve is closed. However, thistype of valve is easily, accidentally opened, thus, again exposing theinsulation layer to moisture and damage.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to aflexible, insulative container with valve. More particularly,embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a portable,high-capacity cooler that can be rolled up or folded for storage withthe use of a water-tight valve.

Briefly described, embodiments of the present disclosure include apliable, collapsible, inflatable, thermally insulative, substantiallywaterproof container for maintaining the temperature of articles storedtherein, comprising a body portion having a top end, a bottom end, aflexible, waterproof interior liner, and a flexible, waterproof exteriorshell, where the interior liner and the exterior shell are sealedtogether at the top end of the body portion forming an interiorinsulative space therebetween and a storage space that is lined by theinterior liner and having an opening at the top end of the body portion,a waterproof base, flexible insulative material disposed within theinterior insulative space and being sealed therein, a roll down quickrelease closure fixed to the body portion at the top end for closing theopening and the storage space, and at least one valve disposed withinthe exterior shell by way of a fluid impervious seal and configured tocontrol air flow into and out of the insulative, interior space betweenthe interior liner and the exterior shell.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also include a pliable,collapsible, inflatable, thermally insulative, substantially waterproofcontainer for maintaining the temperature of articles stored therein,comprising a body portion having a top end, a bottom end, a flexible,waterproof interior liner, and a flexible, waterproof exterior shell,where the interior liner and the exterior shell are sealed together atthe top end of the body portion forming an interior insulative spacetherebetween and a storage space that is lined by the interior liner andhaving an opening at the top end of the body portion, a waterproof base,flexible insulative material disposed within the interior insulativespace and being sealed therein, a roll down quick release closure fixedto the body portion at the top end for closing the opening and thestorage space, at least one valve disposed within the exterior shell byway of a fluid impervious seal and configured to control air flow intoand out of the insulative, interior space between the interior liner andthe exterior shell, at least one seam below the opening at the top endof the body portion, and at least one weld line below the at least oneseam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the flexibleinsulative container with valve of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side partial cut-away view of an embodiment of theflexible insulative container with valve of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the flexibleinsulative container with valve of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of the flexibleinsulative container with valve of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top, side perspective view of an embodiment of theflexible insulative container with valve as closed using a quick-releasecoupler.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the valve of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate an embodiment of the flexible insulativecontainer with valve of the present disclosure which includes areinforced carrying strap.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an embodiment of the insulative container withvalve of the present disclosure which includes reinforced carryingstraps and ventilated back pads.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an embodiment of the insulative container withvalve of the present disclosure which includes padded carrying straps,multiple tie down clips, and bungee webbing.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the insulative container with valveof the present disclosure with at least one seam below the opening ofthe container and at least one weld line below the seam(s).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present disclosure is described in greater detail, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularembodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited onlyby the appended claims.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit (unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise), between the upper and lowerlimit of that range, and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range, is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lowerlimits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in thesmaller ranges and are also encompassed within the disclosure, subjectto any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. While the statedrange includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either orboth of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical terms used herein have the samemeaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art towhich this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materialssimilar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in thepractice or testing of the present disclosure, the preferred methods andmaterials are now described.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading thisdisclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustratedherein has discrete components and features which may be readilyseparated from or combined with the features of any of the other severalembodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the presentdisclosure.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,reference to “a support” includes a plurality of supports.

DISCUSSION

The present disclosure relates to a high-performance, portable,flexible, collapsible, inflatable, insulative container with increasedcarrying capacity and the portability of a backpack. The container ofthe present disclosure is both collapsible (e.g., can be rolled up forstorage) as well as inflatable (e.g., can be inflated to increasecooling capacity and/or provide further cushion to contents of thecontainer and can float) via the use of a non-leaking, substantiallywaterproof valve that facilitates air flow into and out of an insulativespace of the container. The container of the present disclosure includesa pliable, collapsible, inflatable, thermally insulative cooler formaintaining the temperature of the contents inside the cooler (e.g.,food and beverages), which facilitates the use of ice as a coolingmedium.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a pliable, thermallyinsulative container with enhanced carrying capacity as well as theability to be collapsed and rolled or folded for easy storage when notin use (e.g., can be rolled or folded to less than about one-fifth ofits in-use height, less than about one-fourth of its in-use height, lessthan about one-third of its in-use height). The present disclosureprovides for a cooler that has the portability of a backpack as well asthe performance of a hard cooler. The container of the presentdisclosure is not sewn together and has no zippers. As a result, thecontainer of the present disclosure can carry ice without leaking.

The container of the present disclosure essentially comprises a bodyportion defined by a top end and a bottom end. The body portion isformed of a flexible, waterproof interior liner and a flexible,waterproof exterior shell. The interior liner is substantially bagshaped and forms a storage space having an opening at a top end of thebody portion. The interior liner and exterior shell are sealed togetherat the top end of the body portion such that the bag shaped interiorliner hangs downwardly from the top end, creating an insulative,interior space between the interior liner and the exterior liner.Disposed within this interior space is a flexible insulative material.In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible insulativematerial extends from the bottom end of the body portion to a pointadjacent to the top end, leaving an uninsulated region at the top end ofthe container which facilitates closure. The container of the presentdisclosure is flexible such that it is deformable. The container can beeasily stuffed into a conventional backpack for use or rolled or foldedfor storage in minimum space.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the container includes atleast one carrying strap (e.g., reinforced straps). In an embodiment,the container includes reinforced back straps as well as back pads sothat the container can be easily and comfortably carried by a user forextended periods of time. In another embodiment, the container includespadded carrying straps, at least one tie down clip, and/or bungeewebbing. In an embodiment, the bungee webbing is used for attaching gearand/or a paddle.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, thecontainer includes a waterproof base. In an embodiment, the waterproofbase is sealed to the exterior shell at the bottom end of the bodyportion, closing the interior insulative space. In a preferredembodiment, the container includes a fastener at the top end of the bodyportion for closing the opening of the storage space. Preferably, thefastener comprises a quick-release coupler having an insertion memberand an engaging member being attached to a band such that the insertionand engaging members oppose each other. The band is preferably attachedto the body portion at the top end.

In use, ice and objects to be cooled are placed in the storage spacethrough the opening at the top end of the container. Once all the iceand objects desired to be kept cool are placed in the storage space, theopening to the storage space is closed. To do so, the insertion memberand the engaging member are first pulled in opposite directions drawingthe band taut, closing the opening. Then, the taut band is rolled down,toward the bottom end, over itself, the outer shell, and interior liner,at least twice. After rolling, the insertion member of the quick-releasecoupler is inserted into the engaging member, fixing the rolled downportion in position. Once closed with the contents inside, the containercan be placed in a conventional backpack to be easily transported. Afteruse, the interior liner can be pulled out of the opening of the storagespace to quickly and easily clean and dry the interior storage space.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, thecontainer includes a valve (e.g., air valve) disposed within theexterior shell. The valve is welded to the exterior shell with a fluidimpervious sealing arrangement so that it creates a route for air toflow in to and out of the interior insulative space. The valve, when inan open position, creates a channel for and allows air to enter or exitthe insulative, interior space between the interior liner and theexterior shell. In one embodiment, the valve allows a user to regulatethe amount of air that flows into or out of the space between theinterior lining and the exterior shell. The valve provides formodulation, which allows the user to alter or adapt the containerdepending on the circumstances. The valve of the present disclosure isconfigured so that it is not easily accidentally opened. As a result,water is prevented from entering the interior space between the interiorliner and exterior shell. In an embodiment, the valve of the presentdisclosure requires user operation.

In an embodiment, the air valve allows for insulation layer air removalso the container can be rolled up for storage. In an embodiment, a useropens the valve to allow air to leave the insulation layer so that thecontainer can be rolled and/or folded for compact storage. In anotherembodiment, the user manually pushes air out of the insulative space bypressing on the container while the air valve is in the open position.

In another embodiment, a user opens the valve to allow air to enter theinsulation layer and thereby inflate the container. In an embodiment,the valve is opened by turning the valve in a counter-clockwisedirection. A user then blows air in to the valve to inflate the coolerto the desired amount.

In an embodiment, the inflated container has more insulating capability.In another embodiment, the inflated container protects the contents ofthe container by the increased cushion created when the container isinflated. In another embodiment, the inflated container is buoyant andcan float.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the valve comprises a twistvalve configured to be non-leaking (water tight) so that water cannotget in between the two layers (interior liner and exterior shell) andruin the insulating material. The twist valve diminishes the chance ofunintentional opening because it necessitates a user to open and closeit. In an embodiment, the valve serves at least two functions: it allowsa user to remove air in the insulation layer so that the container canbe compressed and rolled up for storage, and it allows a user to add airto the container to hold its shape, provide more insulating value inaddition to the foam insulation, and protect the contents of thecontainer.

Another embodiment of the container of the present disclosure is acontainer that comprises increased carrying capacity. In an embodiment,the band comprises single, double, or triple sewn seams to providestrength so that the container will not rip or tear if it is picked upwithout rolling the top end over and shutting the container. In anembodiment, the band includes single, double, or triple sewn seams toincrease the amount of weight the container can carry without stretchingor tearing. In another embodiment, a radio frequency weld is below thesewing line so that no water can penetrate the interior shell of thecontainer where the foam insulation is housed. In an embodiment, thestitching (e.g., single, double, triple, etc.) allows for a stressweight capacity of up to about 65 pounds (e.g., up to about 25 pounds,up to about 30 pounds, up to about 35 pounds, up to about 40 pounds, upto about 45 pounds, up to about 50 pounds, up to about 55 pounds, up toabout 60 pounds, up to about 65 pounds),

FIGS. 1 through 10 illustrate the pliable, collapsible, inflatable,thermally insulative container 10 with increased carrying capacity ofthe present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 10 ispreferably cylindrical and includes a body portion 12 which has a topend 14 and bottom end 16. The body portion 12 is constructed of aflexible, waterproof interior liner 18 and a flexible, waterproofexterior shell 20. The container 10 is preferably constructed ofmaterials deformable in shape, thereby making the container 10 easilystuffed into a secondary carrying apparatus, such as a conventionalbackpack or the storage area of a kayak, for transportation or rolled orfolded for storage. The use of the air valve 36 allows for the containerto be compressed flat by allowing all of the air between the two layersto be released so that the container can be rolled or folded forstorage.

In a preferred embodiment, the waterproof interior liner 18 comprisesPVC with a weldable film that is compliant with the Consumer ProductSafety standard for restrictions of Phthalates in childrens toys(commonly known as the 6P standard). The waterproof exterior shell 20comprises vinyl. Although described herein as being formed of particularmaterials, it will be understood that the interior liner 18 and theexterior shell 20 can be made of other suitable materials, for example,nylon and/or Polyester with a thermoplastic polyurethan (TPU) film forwelding.

In a preferred embodiment, the interior liner 18 and the exterior shell20 are sealed together at the top end 14 of the body portion 12,creating an insulative interior space 22 therebetween and an interiorstorage space 28, which is lined by the interior liner 18. As shown inFIG. 2, the interior liner 18 is preferably substantially bag shapedsuch that the interior liner 18 hangs downwardly from the top end 14 ofthe container 10 toward the bottom end 16 of the container 10. As willbe described below, this bag shape facilitates cleaning of the storagespace 28 of the container 10. When the container is in use, the interiorstorage space 28 holds the contents of the container, including thecooling medium and the objects to be cooled. The exterior shell 20 isclosed at the bottom end 16 of the body portion 12 enclosing theinsulative interior space 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the container 10 hasan opening 30 at the top end 14 of the body portion 12 which providesaccess to the interior storage space 28.

In a preferred embodiment, the flexible insulative container 10 has awaterproof base 32 that is sealed to the exterior shell 20 at the bottomend 16 of the body portion 12, as shown in FIG. 4, and the base 32 issubstantially circular in shape. Moreover, the base 32 is substantiallyplanar so that the container 10 can stand upright when placed on alevel, flat surface.

Within the interior insulative space 22, flexible insulative material,preferably in the form of a side insulative portion 24 and a bottominsulative portion 26, is placed. Typically, the bottom insulativeportion 26 comprises a polyurethane foam disc that is placed between thewaterproof base 32 and the interior liner 18. Preferably, the bottominsulative portion 26 is fixed to the waterproof base 32. The sideinsulative portion 24 typically comprises a rectangular piece ofpolyurethane foam that is placed between the exterior shell 20 and theinterior liner 18 and extends from the bottom end 16 of the body portion12 to a point 25 adjacent the top end 14 of the body portion 12, leavingan uninsulated region 27 at the top end 14. The uninsulated region 27facilitates closure of the opening 30. The side insulative portion 24 ispreferably fixed to the exterior shell 20. It will be understood thatthe insulative portions 24 and 26, although described and illustrated asseparate pieces and fixedly disposed inside the insulative space 22,could instead be formed of one single piece or be disposed in an unfixedfashion. Furthermore, although polyurethane foam is preferred for theinsulative material, a person of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the insulative material may comprise one or more othermaterials.

A fastener 40 is attached to the top end 14 of the body portion 12 forclosing the opening 30 of the interior storage space 28. In a preferredembodiment, the fastener 40 comprises a band 29 and a quick-releasecoupling 34 that comprises an insertion member 42 and an engaging member44. The insertion member 42 and the engaging member 44 are fixed to theband 29 such that the insertion member 42 and the engaging member 44 arepositioned at opposite ends of the top of the container as depicted inFIG. 1. Although the fastener 40 is disclosed as comprising a band 29and a quick-release coupling 34, it should be appreciated that closurecan be accomplished by other means, such as with a channel-lockfastening system, a hook and loop system, or the like. So described, theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 requires a relatively quick andinexpensive construction process having few steps. Additionally, theconstruction provides for a substantially waterproof interior storagespace 28 allowing ice to be employed as a cooling medium.

To make the tasks of cleaning and drying the interior storage space 28quick and simple, the interior liner 18 is pulled out of the opening 30at the top end 14 of the container 10. The interior liner 18 remainssealed to the exterior shell 20 at the top end 14, and the interiorliner 18 of the container 10 is effectively turned in-side-out. Sincethe flexible, insulative material 24 and 26 is preferably fixedlyattached to the exterior liner 20 and the waterproof base 32,respectively, the insulative material 24 and 26 remains in place whenthe interior liner 18 is pulled out of the opening 30.

In use, the opening 30 of the container 10 of the present invention isclosed by pulling the insertion member 42 and the engaging member 44away from each other, thereby drawing the band 29 taut. After pullingthe band 29 taut in this manner, the band 29 is rolled downward overitself, the interior liner 18, and the exterior shell 20, towards thebottom end 16. Not including insulative material, the uninsulated region27 is less bulky and therefore facilitates rolling of the band. Afterthe band 29 is rolled twice, the insertion member 42 is inserted intothe engaging member 44 with the engaging member 44 resiliently engagingthe insertion member 42 to fix the rolled band 29, interior liner 18,and exterior shell 20 in place and the opening 30 fixedly closed asillustrated in FIG. 5. It should be noted that the opening 30 of thecontainer 10 may be closed using other methods, such as by rolling thetaut band 29 down the body portion 12 two or more times.

In an embodiment, the flexible insulative container 10 includes an airvalve 36. It is to be understand that any suitable water-tight valvethat cannot be unintentionally opened (e.g., a user must open the valve)can be used with the container of the present disclosure. For example,any marine type valve used with inflatables may be used in the containerof the present disclosure. It should further be noted that, although thefigures illustrate placement of the valve on the container of thepresent disclosure, one skilled in the art would understand that thereare numerous possibilities for placement of the valve, as long as itserves its intended function. Thus, the figures merely illustrate oneembodiment for placement of the air valve.

In one embodiment, the valve 36 (FIG. 6) comprises a body 46 with athreaded portion 48 on which is mounted a rotating member screw cap 50.Optionally, the valve 36 comprises a washer 52 between the body 46 andcap 50 to ensure a tight seal when the valve is in a closed position.The washer 52 can be made of rubber or other suitable material. Thewasher 52 provides for a tight seal between the body 46 and the cap 50to help prevent water from getting into the valve and subsequently intothe interior space between the lining and the shell. In anotherembodiment, a additional washer 53 may be used to further ensure a tightseal. This additional washer 53 may be situated at the outside of thetop end 56 of the shaft 54 towards the cap portion.

In an embodiment, the body 46 of the valve 36 comprises a cylindrical,hollow shaft 54 with a top end 56 and a bottom end 58. The bottom end 58of the shaft 54 is threaded (e.g, the bottom half of the shaft isthreaded, the bottom third of the shaft is threaded, the bottom quarterof the shaft is threaded). The top end 56 of the shaft 54 comprises ashoulder 60 (e.g., a slight shoulder). The shoulder 60 allows the cap 50to be secured onto the shaft 54 (e.g., the cap snaps onto the shoulderof the shaft). Once the cap 50 is secured onto the shoulder 60 of theshaft 54, it can be rotated on the threaded portion of the shaft 54 toeither an open position or a closed position (due to the interior wallof the cylindrical portion of the cap being threaded as well). It is tobe understood, however, that a valve with a removal cap or a valve witha cap attached to the body of the valve via a lanyard can also be used.

In an embodiment, the optional washer 52 is positioned at the bottom end58 of the shaft 54 so that when the cap 50 is rotated down the shaft 54so that the valve 36 is in the closed position, a water-tight seal isaccomplished. In another embodiment, after the container 10 iscompressed and rolled up, the valve 36 is closed to ensure that no watergets in to the insulation space.

Below the threading on the bottom end 58 of the shaft 54, the valve 36comprises a first lower shoulder 62 and a second lower shoulder 64, thefirst lower shoulder 62 having a larger diameter than the second lowershoulder 64. The first lower shoulder serves to secure the valve 36 inthe exterior shell 20 via a welded seam. In an embodiment, the secondlower shoulder 64 has a thickness greater than that of the first lowershoulder 62.

In an embodiment, a plurality of cylindrical pieces 66 extend from abottom surface 68 of the second lower shoulder 64. The plurality ofcylindrical pieces 66 are evenly spaced and do not touch. A disc piece70 is attached to the plurality of cylindrical pieces 66 so that thedisc piece 70 is parallel to the second lower shoulder 64. The spacingof the cylindrical pieces 66 allows for a space 72 to be created betweenthe disc piece 70 and the second lower shoulder 64. This space 72 allowsfor air to flow from the insulative space 22 and into the shaft 54 ofthe valve 36. If the valve 36 is in the open position, the air willcontinue to travel up the shaft 54 and out of the valve. The reverse isalso true.

The cap portion 50 of the valve 36 comprises a hollow cylindrical body74 with threading on the interior portion 76 of the cylindrical body 74and a disc portion 78 on one end of the hollow cylindrical body 74. Thedisc portion 78 comprises at least one aperture 80 which allows for airto flow into or out of the shaft portion 54 of the valve 36 when thevalve is in the open position. The connection between the shaft 54 andthe cap 50 is similar to a nut and bolt type of connection.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a container withincreased carrying capacity. This is accomplished through a sewing line82 which comprises single 84, double 86, and/or triple 88 sewn seams atthe top end 14 of the container 10 (FIG. 10). Below the sewing line 82,the container 10 further comprises a radio frequency weld 90. The radiofrequency welding 90 provides an air and water tight seal that cannot beaccomplished with sewing. The welding provides support to the sewn seamsthat, when stressed, the thread takes the pressure and could break. Theradio frequency welding 90 distributes any stress, allowing forincreased carrying capacity of the container 10 while preventing anyair, moisture, or debris from getting in to the container and/or theinsulative space.

In another embodiment of the invention, the container 10 furthercomprises a reinforced carrying strap 92 (FIGS. 7A and 7B). In anembodiment, the container 10 further comprises a plurality of reinforcedcarrying straps 94 and/or at least one ventilated back pad 96 and/orbungee webbing 98 (FIGS. 8A-8B). Finally, in another embodiment, thecontainer 10 of the present disclosure further comprises at least onepadded carrying strap 100, and/or a plurality of tie down clips 102,and/or bungee webbing 98 (FIGS. 9A-9C).

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations, andare merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of thedisclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to theabove-described embodiments. All such modifications and variations areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure andprotected by the following claims.

Therefore, at least the following is claimed:
 1. A pliable, collapsible,inflatable, thermally insulative container, comprising: a body portionhaving a top end, a bottom end, a flexible, waterproof interior liner,and a flexible, waterproof exterior shell, wherein the interior linerand the exterior shell are sealed together at the top end of the bodyportion forming an interior insulative space therebetween and a storagespace that is lined by the interior liner and having an opening at thetop end of the body portion; a flexible insulative material disposedwithin the interior insulative space and being sealed therein; a rolldown quick release closure fixed to the body portion at the top end forclosing the opening and the storage space; at least one manuallyoperated twist valve disposed through and secured to the exterior shellby a welded seam to control air flow into and out of the interiorinsulative space between the interior liner and the exterior shell;wherein the container is substantially waterproof; wherein the twistvalve comprises a body and a cap, the cap comprising at least oneaperture and configured to be manually rotatable relative to the body,the body comprising at least one air shaft, a first shoulder welded tothe exterior shell, a second shoulder within which the air shaft opensinto the interior insulative space, and a disc piece spaced apart fromthe second shoulder to create a clearance between the air shaft and theflexible insulative material; wherein the twist valve comprises asubstantially air and water tight seal when the cap is manually rotatedrelative to the body in a first rotational direction to a closedposition where the at least one aperture is obstructed; and wherein thetwist valve is configured to allow air flow into the interior insulativespace between the waterproof exterior shell and the waterproof interiorliner to inflate the container and protect and insulate any articlestored therein when the cap is manually rotated relative to the body ina second rotational direction to an open position where the at least oneaperture is unobstructed.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the capis secured to the body and wherein when the valve is in the openposition, the cap remains secured to the body.
 3. The container of claim1, wherein a waterproof base is sealed to the exterior shell at thebottom end of the body portion thereby enclosing the interior insulativespace.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the cap and the body of thevalve each comprise threads, wherein the cap threads engage the bodythreads, and wherein the cap can be moved relative to the body pursuantto the threads.
 5. A pliable, collapsible, inflatable, thermallyinsulative container, comprising: a body portion having a top end, abottom end, a flexible, waterproof interior liner, and a flexible,waterproof exterior shell, wherein the interior liner and the exteriorshell are sealed together at the top end of the body portion forming aninterior insulative space therebetween and a storage space that is linedby the interior liner and having an opening at the top end of the bodyportion; a flexible insulative material disposed within the interiorinsulative space and being sealed therein; at least one manuallyoperated twist valve disposed through and secured to the exterior shellby way of a fluid impervious seal and configured to control air flowinto and out of the interior insulative space between the interior linerand the exterior shell; wherein the twist valve comprises a body and acap, the cap comprising at least one aperture and configured to bemanually rotatable relative to the body, the body comprising at leastone air shaft, a first shoulder welded to the exterior shell, a secondshoulder within which the air shaft opens into the interior insulativespace, and a piece spaced apart from the second shoulder to create aclearance between the air shaft and the flexible insulative material;wherein the twist valve comprises a substantially air and water tightseal when the cap is manually rotated relative to the body in a firstrotational direction to a closed position where the at least oneaperture is obstructed; and wherein the twist valve is configured toallow air flow into the interior insulative space to inflate thecontainer and protect and insulate any article stored therein when thecap is manually rotated relative to the body in a second rotationaldirection to an open position where the at least one aperture isunobstructed.
 6. The container of claim 5, further comprising: at leastone seam below the opening at the top end of the body portion, whereinthe at least one seam is selected from the group consisting of: a singleseam, a double seam, a triple seam, and any combination thereof.
 7. Thecontainer of claim 6, wherein the at least one seam provides anincreased carrying capacity of the container.
 8. The container of claim7, wherein the carrying capacity of the container is up to about 65pounds.
 9. The container of claim 6, further comprising: at least oneweld line below the at least one seam, wherein the weld line comprises aradio frequency weld that is substantially air and water tight.
 10. Thecontainer of claim 5, wherein a waterproof base is sealed to theexterior shell at the bottom end of the body portion thereby enclosingthe interior insulative space.
 11. The container of claim 5, wherein thecap is secured to the body and wherein when the valve is in the openposition, the cap remains secured to the body.
 12. The container ofclaim 5, wherein the cap and the body of the valve each comprisethreads, wherein the cap threads engage the body threads, and whereinthe cap can be moved relative to the body pursuant to the threads. 13.The container of claim 5, wherein the valve comprises a plurality ofapertures that allow air flow into and out of the insulative interiorspace.
 14. The container of claim 5, wherein the piece spaced apart fromthe second shoulder comprises a disc piece.
 15. A pliable, collapsible,inflatable, thermally insulative container, comprising: a body portionhaving a top end, a bottom end, a flexible, waterproof interior liner,and a flexible, waterproof exterior shell, wherein the interior linerand the exterior shell are sealed together at the top end of the bodyportion forming an interior insulative space therebetween and a storagespace that is lined by the interior liner and having an opening at thetop end of the body portion; a flexible insulative material disposedwithin the interior insulative space and being sealed therein; a rolldown quick release closure fixed to the body portion at the top end forclosing the opening and the storage space; at least one manuallyoperated twist valve disposed through and secured to the exterior shellby way of a fluid impervious seal and configured to control air flowinto and out of the interior insulative space between the interior linerand the exterior shell; wherein the twist valve comprises a body and acap, the cap comprising at least one aperture and configured to bemanually rotatable relative to the body, the body comprising at leastone air shaft, a first shoulder welded to the exterior shell, and asecond shoulder within which the air shaft opens into the interiorinsulative space; wherein the twist valve comprises a substantially airand water tight seal when the cap is manually rotated relative to thebody in a first rotational direction to a closed position where theaperture is obstructed; and wherein the twist valve is configured toallow air flow into the interior insulative space to inflate thecontainer and protect and insulate any article stored therein when thecap is manually rotated relative to the body in a second rotationaldirection to an open position where the at least one aperture isunobstructed.
 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the carryingcapacity of the container is up to about 65 pounds.
 17. The container ofclaim 15, wherein a waterproof base is sealed to the exterior shell atthe bottom end of the body portion thereby enclosing the interiorinsulative space.
 18. The container of claim 15, wherein a waterproofbase is sealed to the exterior shell at the bottom end of the bodyportion.
 19. The container of claim 15, wherein the cap and the body ofthe valve each comprises threads, wherein the cap threads engage thebody threads, and wherein the cap can be moved relative to the bodypursuant to the threads.
 20. The container of claim 15, wherein thevalve comprises a plurality of apertures that allow air flow into andout of the insulative interior space.